The roar of engines echoed through the Qatari desert as the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) kicked off with the Qatar 1812km season-opener. And what a start it was, a spectacle of speed, strategy, and sheer determination, culminating in a historic triumph for Ferrari.
Hypercar Domination: A Scarlet Wave From the moment the lights went out, Ferrari asserted its dominance. Antonio Giovinazzi’s pole position signaled the Italian marque’s intent, and the race unfolded as a masterclass in endurance racing. All three Ferrari AF Corse 499P Hypercars led at various stages, showcasing the team’s depth and preparation. The #51 crew, initially in control, faced a setback with a drive-through penalty, but the #83 AF Corse entry, starting from eighth, seized the opportunity, engaging in a thrilling duel with the #50 ‘works’ car.
A Stellar Stint: Fuoco’s Winning Drive The final pit-stop phase proved decisive. Antonio Fuoco, in the #50 Ferrari, delivered a stellar stint, overtaking Robert Kubica in the #83 car. From that point, Fuoco expertly managed his tires and pace, holding off Kubica’s relentless pursuit to secure a hard-fought victory. “We prepared really well,” Fuoco reflected, “and while we had some ups-and-downs in the race, in the end, it obviously worked out well.” The result marked a historic 1-2-3 finish for Ferrari, a feat not seen since the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona.
Late Drama: A Close Finish The closing laps were a nail-biting affair. Kubica, alongside Yifei Ye and Philip Hanson, held firm against intense pressure from Alessandro Pier Guidi in the #51 Ferrari, crossing the finish line a mere three-tenths of a second ahead. A late safety car intervention brought the #51 crew back into contention, cementing Ferrari’s impressive podium sweep. BMW M Team WRT, despite early setbacks, finished fourth, while Toyota claimed fifth and sixth. Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, with a best finish of eighth, felt aggrieved, having shown strong pace throughout the race.
LMGT3 Triumph: Corvette’s Grit In the fiercely competitive LMGT3 class, TF Sport’s Corvette, driven by Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating, emerged victorious. Starting from 13th on the grid, the team overcame early errors to deliver a stellar performance. Juncadella’s experience proved crucial in fending off a relentless challenge from McLaren’s Grégoire Saucy. “We were hoping to have a good start to the season, maybe a top five, but we weren’t super-confident about being able to fight for a podium, and we ended up winning!” 1 Juncadella exclaimed. The Bend Team WRT rounded out the podium in third, adding to the drama of the LMGT3 battle.
Looking Ahead: Imola Awaits The Qatar 1812km season-opener has set the stage for an exhilarating WEC season. With Ferrari’s dominant performance and Corvette’s gritty victory, the championship promises to deliver thrilling races and intense competition. The next round, the 6 Hours of Imola, will take place on April 18-20, where the teams will once again battle for supremacy.
Summary:
- Ferrari achieved a historic 1-2-3 finish in the Hypercar class.
- Antonio Fuoco, Nicklas Nielsen, and Miguel Molina won the race in the #50 Ferrari.
- TF Sport’s Corvette won the LMGT3 class.
- Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating drove the winning Corvette.
- The next WEC race is the 6 Hours of Imola.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on official race results and reports. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to consult official FIA WEC sources for complete and definitive information.
Source: FIA
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
